Despite our best efforts, collective bargaining with the major U.S. Class 1 railroads completely stalled late last week. Therefore, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Railway Labor Act, we have today applied to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for the assignment of a federal mediator to assist in our negotiations.

Early next year, the BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a workshop for all Secretary-Treasurers who file LM-2 reports for their General Committee of Adjustment (GCA), Division or State Legislative Board. This workshop will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from March 6-8, 2017.

Open Enrollment for 2017 under the BLETís Short Term Disability Part B insurance plan begins on December 1, 2016 and will end December 30, 2016. Part B Plan coverage under this open enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2017.

By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I am pleased to express my gratitude to all BLET members, officers and staff for their hard work and dedication throughout 2016.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa, General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall, International Vice Presidents At-Large, International Trustees and International Vice Presidents in the Eastern, Southern and Central Regions were elected on November 18 in the 2016 Election of International Union Officers, according to unofficial results provided by the Office of the Election Supervisor.

The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (also known as ERMA or GA-46000) Plan will increase from $151,600 to $157,800 on January 1, 2017.

Brother Daniel M. Cadogan of BLET Division 57 (Boston, Mass.) was elected by acclamation to his first full term as Chairman of the Massachusetts State Legislative Board at its quadrennial meeting held at the Teamsters Local 25 union hall in Boston Mass., on October 19, 2016.

Brother Timothy R. Craver of BLET Division 532 (Richmond, Va.) was reelected by acclamation to his third full term as Chairman of the Virginia State Legislative Board at its quadrennial meeting on October 27, 2016, in Richmond, Va.

By Dennis R. Pierce, BLET National President Veterans Day is a particularly important holiday to the membership of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. Our Brotherhood was founded on May 8, 1863, and many of our earliest members were veterans of the Civil War